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Holiday fun: Christmas activities for the entire family

There are several opportunities for you to visit with Santa Claus at area libraries in Terrebonne and Lafourche.

Kris JohnsonStaff Writer

Published: Friday, December 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, December 7, 2012 at 11:41 a.m.

The holidays are here.

Now it's time to figure out how to occupy your free time. This week's Big Fun can help. We've put together a list of local holiday-themed events that can help fill those empty weekends on your calendar.

We also threw in some quality time with Santa. These events will help make holiday memories.

PARADES

Once Upon a Cajun Christmas Parade

When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7

Where: downtown Houma

What to expect: The annual parade features “Papa Noel” arriving in a 20-float Christmas parade that winds through the streets of downtown Houma. It begins at Terrebonne High School and travels down Main Street to Barrow and then turns on School Street where it ends behind the Courthouse Square.

The parade will feature caroling and a ceremony for the lighting of the Christmas tree. It is sponsored by Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government.

Information: 873-6408

The Bayou Terrebonne Christmas Boat Parade

When: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15

Where: Bayou Terrebonne

What to expect: The boats in this annual parade will travel down Bayou Terrebonne near the Bourg Volunteer Fire Department, 4402 La. 24, and end in Montegut, three miles past Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1111 La. 55. The parade will feature 15 to 20 boats decorated with Christmas lights and Santa Claus.

Information: 594-2125

SNOWFLAKE PAGEANT

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7

Where: Dularge Recreation Center, 1330 Dr. Beatrous Road, Theriot

What to expect: The girls who compete in the 43nd annual Snowflake Pageant have been split into two age groups: 4 to 6 and 7 to 11. Each girl will perform a curtsey for the judges, who will be looking at four to five specific areas in reference to determining the winners. The girls have practiced their poise and are ready to wow the judges, as well as the audience, organizers said. Eleven total awards will be handed out at the pageant, not including Miss Congeniality, which is chosen from the pool of non-winners as a way to give the other girls who didn't place a chance to win something. Carrying over from its inception last year, audience members will have the chance to place a vote for their favorite, called the community choice award. The cost is $2 per vote and all proceeds will go toward the Toys for Tots drive in District 10.

Information: 879-4340

MEET THE CLAUSES

Bring the kids to meet Santa at your local branch so they can get an early start on all their Christmas wishes. It's also the perfect time to have those pictures taken with Santa that you're sure to keep for decades to come. All visits are free and open to the public.

-- Santa Claus will also spend some time at Thibodaux Library's annual holiday open house from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the library, 705 W. 5th St.

Visit with Santa and enjoy refreshments and holiday music, a children's craft for the kids and story time with Mrs. Claus.

-- Mrs. Claus will also make a guest appearance at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 20 at the Lockport Library, 720 Crescent Ave.

PERFORMANCES AND CONCERTS

Mulberry Elementary School's Christmas Extravaganza

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 13

Where: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd.

What to expect: The annual program is a holiday production featuring students in each grade level performing to music and dance.

The Christmas program, and other holiday events, have traditionally been held in the school cafeteria, however, about nine years ago, event planner Erik Zelasko said the size of the Extravaganza grew and school officials decided to relocate to the Civic Center.

Admission: $2

Information: 872-5328

The Houma-Terrebonne Community Band's Annual Christmas Concert

When: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15

Where: J.C. Penney Court of Southland Mall, 5953 W. Park Ave., Houma.

What to expect: Organizers said the community band will perform holiday favorites including “White Christmas,” “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

The Houma-Terrebonne Community Band regularly performs concerts throughout Terrebonne Parish, including their anniversary concert, a spring concert and patriotic concerts. The performance is free and open to the public.

What to expect: The setting of the play is Christmas Eve at a radio station before a live studio audience in the 1940s. You'll see the life of George Bailey change as he watches the outcome of an alternate reality, in which he was never born. Organizers say Landry's adaptation of the classic gives a more personal feel.

Tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for students and are available in the front office of Vandebilt Catholic High School or at the door.

Information: vandebiltcatholic.org/vctheatre.html or 876-2551

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